Oregon’s Utility-Scale Solar is Booming – Here’s Why

Oregonians will see many large-scale solar projects built this year – projects the size of which the state has never seen before. In 2017 Oregon will add about 150 megawatts (MW) worth of utility-scale solar projects to its energy portfolio from the utility scale projects alone.

Why is this happening? First, because the recent one-time Solar Development Incentive program helps make it more economically viable to build large-scale solar facilities. Second, costs of building solar installations have plummeted dramatically – making it cost effective to install large-scale projects. It’s an exciting time for the solar industry in Oregon, and the perfect time to invest in it. According to a study by OSEIA and Lewis and Clark Law School’s Green Energy Initiative, 10% of Oregon’s electricity could be produced by the sun in 2027.